Process Technician

About the Role

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret manufacturing process instructions (MPIs), engineering change orders (ECOs), deviations, assembly drawings, and customer specifications before production.
• Set up, monitor, and adjust SMT, through-hole, and supporting manufacturing processes under engineering guidance to meet applicable IPC standards and customer requirements.
• Assist with first article verification and new-build validation before production release.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues involving solder paste printing, component placement, reflow, wave soldering, selective soldering, and related assembly operations.
• Support engineers with process development, validation, and new product introduction (NPI) activities.
• Collect and analyze process data to identify trends, investigate root causes, and recommend improvements.
• Ensure compliance with electrostatic discharge (ESD), moisture-sensitive device (MSD), safety, and housekeeping requirements.
• Train and mentor operators on approved work instructions, process requirements, and best practices.
• Document process issues and approved changes, prepare shift pass-downs, and escalate unresolved concerns to engineering or quality management.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on improving yield, consistency, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support the setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting of polymerics processes, including conformal coating, staking, encapsulation, and underfill, in accordance with approved work instructions and customer requirements.

Education and Experience

• Candidates must meet at least one of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing technology, electronics, industrial technology, or a related technical field.
• Associate’s degree in a related technical field plus 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing role.
• High school diploma or equivalent plus 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing role.
• Qualifying manufacturing experience may come from electronics or other manufacturing industries, including production, assembly, equipment operation, maintenance, quality inspection, or process support.
• Skills and Abilities
• Strong technical aptitude and a systematic approach to troubleshooting equipment or manufacturing process issues.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, technical drawings, and manufacturing documentation.
• Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, data entry, and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to collect and review production data, perform basic calculations, and identify trends or inconsistencies.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across production, quality, and engineering.
• Attention to detail and the ability to recognize, document, and communicate process deviations.
• Ability and willingness to learn PCB assembly processes, IPC workmanship requirements, and applicable ESD and MSD practices.

Skills and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing or process support within a contract manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with SMT, through-hole, reflow, and soldering processes.
• Knowledge of PCB assembly workmanship requirements, including IPC Class 2 and Class 3.
• IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification.
• Experience interpreting bills of materials (BOMs), PCB assembly drawings, and customer specifications.
• Hands-on experience with soldering, inspection, or electronics assembly equipment.
• Experience supporting root cause analysis, process improvement, or NPI activities.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off
• Career growth opportunities in advanced electronics manufacturing

Schedule

• 8-hour shift, Monday–Friday
• Overtime and weekends as needed
• Pay Range
• $25 — $30 USD
• ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.
• Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law. #zr